- Before the advent of air conditioning, when Southern families extended their living space to outdoor porches and verandas in order to keep cool during hot summer months, they simply moved select pieces of their indoor furniture outside. However, indoor furniture was not always suitable for the outdoor elements of heat and moisture. Styles have changed over the years, from plain wooden rockers and swings to fancy wicker and detailed wrought iron. Despite the visual appeal of wicker and iron, however, consumers began looking for patio furniture that was as comfortable and suitable for entertaining as it was durable.
- These days, most suburban families own patio furniture. It gives them a way of entertaining in an open space while preserving some of the formality of an actual dining or living room set. Families can enjoy their patio furniture in covered porches, sun rooms, and anywhere they wish to lounge. You can choose from very simple chairs and tables that fold and pack away for easy storage, or you can custom-create an entire room. Patio furniture is not just about tables and chairs, though; there are hammocks for lazing, garden benches with hidden storage and umbrellas to protect you from the sun. Every piece has a purpose.
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hortongrouPatio furniture comes in a variety of materials and styles. Adirondack patio furniture is indicative of a style popular to the Adirondack Mountains of northern New York and is the stereotypical "camp furniture." Artisans generally craft each piece from wood, although consumers can find less expensive plastic versions for sale. Wooden porch swings and rockers are still popular, as are wrought iron tables and chairs. If you're looking for something practical, relatively inexpensive and more temporary, look for light-weight aluminum or plastic. -
liajYou can buy patio furniture in a variety of sizes for all your entertaining purposes. Whether it's a portable lawn chair you can pack and take to a family picnic or an iron settee placed pool side, your only limitations are space and cost. You can purchase a bistro table for two or plan a barbeque for 10. - A few things to consider when buying patio furniture are placement and weather conditions. Treated solid wood and wrought iron can withstand most weather conditions, although you should clean it on a regular basis. Plastic, even though it is durable, is more prone to fading and cracking in extreme heat or cold. Although investing in high-quality patio furniture is more expensive, you'll end up paying more in the long run if you buy anything less.
